Common Computer Problems (and how to fix them)

The computer won’t start

This is a common problem, often associated with a failing hardware. Unplug the computer, if you’re on a laptop, remove the battery. Wait 5 minutes for everything inside the computer to discharge, plug the PC back in (laptop – put the battery back), and hit the power button.

The screen is blank

Check the cable between the monitor and the computer. Check to see if the computer and monitor are on. If able, reboot the computer because Microsoft may have a graphics driver pending install.

Windows won’t boot

Quite common after a windows or BIOS update. Turn computer off, and make sure only the keyboard and mouse are plugged in. Sometimes computers try to boot off other devices like a USB drive or the card reader inside a printer. If the computer boots, then it’s a configuration error. If windows still does not boot, it may be time to reinstall windows (Save your data first)!

The screen is frozen

WHen this happens, you have no choice but to lose your unsaved work and reboot the computer. PC Freezing can happen though insufficient RAM, windows issues, viruses, spyware, or updates. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, or until the computer turns off. Power it back on again after 20 seconds, and start troubleshooting and cleaning software so that it does not happen again.

Slow Computer

Check for spyware, startup programs, clean the hard drive, registry scan and remove unwanted software. Replacing you hard drive with an SSD or storing files on an external hard drive will alleviate speed issues.

Strange Noises

Clicking, whirring, and other noises are a sign of hardware failure – the most common of theses noises being the cooling fan. Back up all your data and check to see where the noise is coming from – replace hardware if needed.

Overheating

If the cooling system inside a computer is not effective, or being over taxed, the PC will start overheating. When a computer overheats, it may reboot, slow down, and slowly start damaging the inside components of the computer. Check for dust inside the PC, clean the fans, replace broken hardware and verify computer cooling is effective.

No internet, or internet dropping

This is probably one of the most frustrating experiences as it can be many things. From the cable to your router to the network cable, and so on. Serious issues can also include viruses and spyware, bad network hardware, drivers, or network congestion.